How To Cope With A Moving Experience

Spring is the season when everyone from college students to corporate moguls make their move.

Whether you`re relocating across town or across the country, moving is stressful.

To make it go as smoothly as possible, Allied Van Lines is offering a free booklet, ``Guide to a Good Move.``

In addition to some of the more technical aspects of moving (the difference between a booking agent, a hauling agent and a destination agent, for example), the book is filled with practical advice for the one family in five who will pull up stakes this year.

Some tips:

- Designate one dresser drawer for sheets and towels so you won`t have to rummage through boxes the first night in your new home.

- After you`ve thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.

- Plates and record items should be packed on end vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked.

- Pack your current phone book to take with you. Chances are you`ll need to make calls to businesses or residents back in your former hometown.

- Pack heavy items in small boxes; lighter items in large boxes.

- Upon arrival in your new home, let your personal computer ``acclimate`` itself to room temperature before plugging it in.